Electric scooter assemblies

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, an electric scooter comprises a deck configured to support a rider, front and rear wheels, a handlebar assembly that includes a handlebar, a left handle, and a right handle, a steering column that includes a steering tube and the handlebar assembly, and an electric motor configured to provide mechanical power to at least one of the front and the rear wheels. One or more of the steering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck can be configured to be detachable and comprise one or more rechargeable battery packs. In addition, one or more of the steering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck can be configured to receive one or more removable rechargeable batteries.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/920,835 filed on Oct. 22, 2015, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/043,748filed on Oct. 1, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,168,965, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/708,996, filedOct. 2, 2012. The entire contents of all of the foregoing areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The inventions disclosed herein relate generally to scooter assemblies.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an electric scooter comprises a deck configured tosupport a rider; a front wheel and a rear wheel; a handlebar assemblycomprising a handlebar, a left handle, and a right handle; a steeringcolumn comprising a steering tube and the handlebar assembly, thesteering column configured to steer the scooter by controlling adirection of the front wheel; and an electric motor configured toprovide mechanical power to at least one of the front and the rearwheels; wherein one or more of the steering column, steering tube,handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck areconfigured to be detachable and comprise one or more rechargeablebattery packs, the one or more rechargeable battery packs configured topower the electric motor.

In some embodiments, an electric scooter comprises a deck configured tosupport a rider; a front wheel and a rear wheel; a handlebar assemblycomprising a handlebar, a left handle, and a right handle; a steeringcolumn comprising a steering tube and the handlebar assembly, thesteering column configured to steer the scooter by controlling adirection of the front wheel; and an electric motor configured toprovide mechanical power to at least one of the front and the rearwheels; wherein at least one of the steering column, steering tube,handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck areconfigured to receive one or more removable batteries, the one or moreremovable batteries configured to power the electric motor.

In some embodiments, a method of operating an electric scooter comprisesdetaching from the electric scooter at least one of a steering column, asteering tube, a handlebar assembly, a handlebar, a left handle, a righthandle, and a deck; and reattaching a charged at least one of thesteering column, steering tube, handlebar assembly, handlebar, lefthandle, right handle, and deck to the electric scooter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of various inventive features will now be described withreference to the following drawings. Throughout the drawings, referencenumbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referencedelements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodimentsdescribed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure.

FIG. 1 a right side view of a portion of an embodiment of a scooterassembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another portion of the scooter assemblyof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a handlebar assembly of the scooterassembly of FIG. 1, with portions of one of the handlebar sectionscut-away to show underlying structure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another portion of the scooter assemblyof FIG. 1, with portions of a steering column cut away to revealunderlying structure.

FIG. 5 is a view of a removable portion of the scooter assembly of FIG.1 containing one or more batteries removed from the scooter andpositioned in a charging device.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of a foot brake of the scooterassembly of FIG. 1 separate from the scooter assembly.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the scooter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the scooter assemblyof FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of a rear portion of the scooterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a left side view of a rear portion of the scooter assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of a rear portion of the scooterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter frameassembly.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the scooter frame assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the scooter frame assembly ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the scooter frame assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter necksection.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a right side view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a scooter necksection.

FIG. 23 is a left side view of a lower-front portion of an embodiment ofa scooter assembly.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter necksection.

FIG. 25 is a left side view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the scooter neck section of FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a left side view of a portion of an embodiment of a scooterassembly comprising a clamp assembly.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the portion of the scooter assembly ofFIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a left side view of a portion of an embodiment of a scooterassembly comprising a clamp assembly.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the portion of the scooter assembly ofFIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a scooterassembly comprising a front fork.

FIG. 34 is a left side view of the portion of the scooter assembly ofFIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is another left side view of the portion of the scooter assemblyof FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a scooterassembly comprising a bash guard.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a bottom of the scooter assemblycomprising a bash guard of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a deck assembly for ascooter assembly.

FIG. 39 is a top view of another embodiment of a deck assembly for ascooter assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of understanding particular embodiments, reference willbe made to the drawings.

FIGS. 1-11 generally relate to embodiments related to scooterscomprising a deck, front and rear wheels, and a foot brake, wherein thefoot brake is in proximity to the rear of the deck and can apply abraking force to the rear wheel. FIGS. 1-11 also generally relate toembodiments related electric scooters comprising a frame comprisingtubular members, wherein batteries can be located within the tubularmembers.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a scooter assembly 200 thatcomprises a deck 210, a neck 220, a head tube 224, a clamp assembly 250,a steering tube 260, a front wheel 230, a rear wheel 234, and a footbrake 240. In some embodiments, the scooter assembly 200 can be anelectric scooter. The neck 220 can be joined to the deck 210 at or neara front end 212 of the deck 210. The deck 210 is a component of thescooter assembly 200 on which a rider can stand during use. The neck 220can serve to connect the deck 210 to the front wheel and the handlebarassemblies. In some embodiments, the neck 220 can be coupled to the deck210. In addition, the head tube 224 can be fixedly attached to the neck220. The neck 220 and head tube 224 can be may be made of variousmetals, plastic, carbon fiber, or other materials that impart sufficientstructural strength. The steering tube 260 can extend through the headtube 224 and be rotatable relative thereto. At a top portion of thesteering tube 260 a handlebar assembly (not shown) can be attached. Thehandlebar assembly can comprise a left handle and a right handle for therider to grip and steer the scooter 200. Turning the handlebar assemblycan cause the steering tube 260 to turn the front wheel 230. A frontfork 232 can be coupled to a bottom portion of the steering tube 260 andcan rotatably support the front wheel 230. The rear wheel 234 can be afixed position wheel. The rear wheel 234 can be configured to rotateabout a rear-wheel axle 236.

The foot brake 240 can be attached in proximity to a rear portion 214 ofthe deck 210. The foot brake 240 can comprise a plurality of ridges 244to enhance traction of the foot brake 240 and facilitate location of thefoot brake 240 by a rider. In preferred embodiments, the foot brake 240can comprise plastic. In other embodiments, the foot brake 240 cancomprise metals, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. The footbrake 240 can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 242. By pivotingdownward, the foot brake 240 can provide a braking pressure to the rearwheel 234. The foot brake 240 can be biased to return to its naturalun-pivoted position after a user has finished applying braking pressure,such as by a biasing member (e.g., a spring).

In some embodiments, the foot brake can be formed as a rear portion ofthe deck. For example, a rear portion of the deck can be configured topivot about an axis to provide a braking pressure to the rear wheel.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the scooter assembly 200 thatcomprises the deck 210, a front deck portion 212, a rear deck portion214, the front wheel 230, the front fork 232, the rear wheel 234, andthe foot brake 240. As discussed, the foot brake 240 can comprise theplurality of ridges 244 to enhance traction of the foot brake 240 andfor ease of location of the foot brake 240 for a rider. The foot brake240 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 242. By pivotingdownward, the foot brake 240 can provide a braking pressure to the rearwheel 234. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 9, the foot brake 240 can be ofa multi-component structure having an inner member (shown in FIG. 4 andvisible in FIG. 9) that directly contacts the rear wheel 234 and theouter foot brake member 240 comprising the ridges 244 and visible inFIGS. 1-3 and 6-11. In this manner, the inner member can be constructedof a suitable material, such as a high-friction or long-wearing material(e.g., metal), and the outer foot brake member 240 can be constructedfrom a material that is easily formed (e.g., to provide the ridges 244)and/or capable of being formed in a desired color (e.g., plastic). Thus,each of the inner and outer member is capable of optimization for itsintended purpose.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the scooter assembly 200 that comprises thedeck 210, the front deck portion 212, the rear deck portion 214, therear wheel 234, the foot brake 240, the steering tube 260, and thehandlebar assembly 270. The handlebar assembly 270 can comprise a lefthandle 272, a right handle 274, a left handlebar mount 276, and a righthandlebar mount 278.

In some embodiments, the scooter assembly 200 is an electric scooterpowered by one or more batteries. In particular, the scooter assembly200 can be adapted to receive electric power from one or more batteries273 located within a tubular member or within multiple tubular membersof the scooter frame. For example, interiors of the left handle 272and/or the right handle 274 can be configured to receive one or morebatteries 273. The batteries can be any type of batteries. In preferredembodiments, the batteries can be lithium ion rechargeable batteries. Inother embodiments, the batteries can be nickel-cadmium, nickel-metalhydride, nickel-zinc, or other rechargeable batteries. The batteries canbe any size and shape that fit within a scooter frame or other tubularcomponent. For example, for scooter frames with tubular members, anybatteries that can fit within the tubular members can be used. These mayinclude standard battery sizes, including AAA, AA, C, D, ½AA, AAAA, A,B, F, N, A23, A27, 4SR44, 523, 531, CR123A, CR2, CR-V3, 10180, 10280,10440, 14250, 14500, 14650, 15270, 16340, RCR123A, 17500, 17670, 18350,18500, 18650, 19670, 25500, 26650, and 32600 batteries. For scooterframes with rectangular members, any batteries that can fit within therectangular members can be used. These can include 4.5V, 9-V, andLantern batteries. In addition, the batteries can be custom-shaped to beconfigured to fit within the members of the scooter frame. For example,the batteries can be custom-shaped round/cylindrical lithium-ionrechargeable batteries.

In some embodiments, the frame members are configured so that internalbatteries can be removed from the frame members for charging. In otherembodiments, the frame members themselves can comprise battery packsconfigured for charging, and the internal battery elements of thebattery packs are not configured to be removable. For example, asdescribed further below, in various embodiments the left handle 272 andright handle 274 can comprise detachable battery packs, the steeringtube 260 can comprise a detachable battery pack, and/or the handlebarassembly 270 can comprise a detachable battery pack.

In some embodiments, the left handle 272 and right handle 274 areconfigured to be detachable. As such, when the batteries are depleted, auser can detach either or both of the left handle 272 and right handle274 for recharging of its batteries and, with minimal interruption ofscooter use, replace them with another left handle 272 and/or righthandle 274 that are already partially or fully charged. To facilitateease and speed of removal and replacement of left handle 272 and righthandle 274, the left handle 272 and right handle 274 can be configuredto attach to the left handlebar mount 276 and the right handlebar mount278 through a clip-in or snap-on mechanism. For example, any knownclip-in or snap-on mechanism can be used to removably attach the lefthandle 272 and right handle 274 to the left handlebar mount 276 and theright handlebar mount 278, such as push-pin connections often used onscooter handles or other types of interlocking arrangements. As such,the left handle 272 and right handle 274 battery packs can bedetachable, preferably without removal of any covers or otherdisassembly, and quickly swappable with replacement left handle andright handle battery packs, thereby allowing for near-continuousoperation of an electric scooter with little or almost no downtime dueto recharging.

The scooter assembly can comprise wiring to electrically connect thebatteries with the other electrical elements of the scooter assembly200, such as an electric motor and an on-off switch (e.g., switch 360shown in FIG. 23). For example, in some embodiments, the scooterassembly can comprise wiring within the left handlebar mount 276 and theright handlebar mount 278 that is adapted to make an electricalconnection with the left handle 272 and right handle 274 battery packs.The wiring can continue through the left handlebar mount 276 and theright handlebar mount 278, down through the steering column 260, throughthe head tube 232 and/or neck 230, and through the deck 210 (e.g.,through tubular deck member 312 a second tubular deck member 314 asshown in FIG. 15), and continue so that the wiring can make electricalconnections with the electric motor and the on-off switch. In preferredembodiments, the wiring is located within the members of the scooterframe. In other embodiments, the wiring can be external to the scooterframe and run along the frame, or some combination of internal andexternal. The batteries within the left handle 272 and right handle 274can be wired together in series or parallel, or any combination ofseries and parallel configurations.

Once depleted and detached from the scooter frame, the left handle 272and right handle 274 battery packs can be placed into a charger forcharging. The charger can be specially configured to charge the left andright handle battery packs. In other embodiments, the batteries can beremoved from within the left handle 272 and right handle 274 and placedinto a standard or otherwise suitable battery charger or otherwiseconnected to a battery charger arrangement (e.g., a plug-in charger).Once charged, the batteries can be reinserted into the left handle 272and right handle 274 before the left handle 272 and right handle 274 isre-attached back on to the handlebar assembly of the scooter.

In some embodiments, other tubular member(s) of the scooter assembly canalso be configured to receive one or more batteries. For example, insome embodiments, any one or more of the steering tube 260 and handlebarassembly 270, comprising left handle 272, right handle 274, lefthandlebar mount 276, and right handlebar mount 278, can be configured toreceive one or more batteries. Together, the steering tube 260 andhandlebar assembly 270 can comprise a steering column. In someembodiments, the steering column is configured to be detachable. Assuch, when the batteries 273 within the steering column (FIG. 4) aredepleted, a user can detach the steering column for recharging itsbatteries and, with minimal interruption of scooter use, replace themwith another steering column that is already fully charged.Alternatively, a user can place the steering column in a charger 275(FIG. 5) or connect to a charger and wait for the batteries to becharged. To facilitate ease and speed of removal and replacement of thesteering column, the steering column can be configured to attach to therest of the scooter assembly through a clip-in, snap-on, lever lockarrangement or other suitable mechanisms. For example, any knownclip-in, snap-on, lever lock or other suitable mechanism can be used toremovably attach the steering column. In addition or in the alternative,the clamp assembly 250 or a lower portion of the steering column can beconfigured to include a lever that provides a locked position in whichthe steering column or upper portion of the steering column is notremovable and an unlocked position in which the steering column or upperportion of the steering column is removable. As such, the steeringcolumn battery pack can be detachable, without removal of any covers orother disassembly, and quickly swappable with a replacement steeringcolumn battery pack, thereby allowing for near-continuous operation ofan electric scooter with almost no downtime due to recharging. Becausethe steering column, which includes the left and right handles, hasgreater volume for holding more batteries than the left and righthandles alone, the steering column can store more electrical energy andprovide for longer scooter operation times between recharging.

Once depleted and detached from the scooter frame, the steering columnbattery pack can be placed into a charger or connected to a charger forcharging. The charger can be specially configured to charge the steeringcolumn battery pack. In other embodiments, the batteries can be removedfrom within the steering column and placed into a standard or otherwisesuitable battery charger. Once charged, the batteries can be reinsertedinto the steering column before the steering column is re-attached backon to the scooter frame.

As described above, the scooter assembly 200 can comprise wiring toelectrically connect the batteries with the other electrical elements ofthe scooter assembly 200, such as an electric motor and an on-off switch(e.g., switch 360 shown in FIG. 23). For example, in embodiments inwhich the steering column comprises a battery pack, the scooter assembly200 can comprise wiring from the steering column, through the head tube232 and/or neck 230, and through the deck 210 (e.g., through tubulardeck member 312 and/or a second tubular deck member 314 as shown in FIG.12), and continue so that the wiring can make electrical connectionswith the electric motor and the on-off switch. In preferred embodiments,the wiring is located within the members of the scooter frame. In otherembodiments, the wiring can be external to the scooter frame and runalong the frame, or some combination of internal and external. In theevent of multiple batteries, the batteries within the steering columncan be wired together in series or parallel, or any combination ofseries and parallel configurations.

In some embodiments, another tubular member or other members of thescooter assembly 200 can also or alternatively be configured to receiveone or more batteries. For example, in some embodiments, the handlebarassembly 270, comprising left handle 272, right handle 274, lefthandlebar mount 276, and right handlebar mount 278 can be configured toreceive one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the handlebarassembly 270 is configured to be detachable. As such, when the batterieswithin the handlebar assembly 270 are depleted, a user can detach thehandlebar assembly 270 for recharging its batteries and, with minimalinterruption of scooter use, replace them with another handlebarassembly 270 that is already fully charged. Alternatively, a scooteruser can place the handlebar assembly 270 in a charger or connect to acharger and wait for the batteries to be charged. To facilitate ease andspeed of removal and replacement of the handlebar assembly 270, thehandlebar assembly 270 can be configured to attach to the steering tube260 through a clip-in, snap-on, or other lever mechanism. For example,any known clip-in, snap-on, or other lever mechanism can be used toremovably attach the handlebar assembly 270. In addition, a lever can beprovided at the junction between the steering tube 260 and the handlebarassembly 270 that can provide a locked position in which the handlebarassembly 270 is not removable and an unlocked position in which thehandlebar assembly 270 is removable. As such, the handlebar assemblybattery pack can be detachable, without removal of any covers or otherdisassembly, and quickly swappable with a replacement handlebar assemblybattery pack, thereby allowing for near-continuous operation of anelectric scooter with almost no downtime due to recharging.

Once depleted and detached from the scooter frame, the handlebarassembly battery pack can be placed into a charger or connected to acharger for charging. The charger can be specially configured to chargethe handlebar assembly battery pack. In other embodiments, the batteriescan be removed from within the handlebar assembly 270 and placed into astandard or suitable battery charger. Once charged, the batteries can bereinserted into the handlebar assembly 270 before the handlebar assembly270 is re-attached back on to the steering tube 260.

The scooter assembly can comprise wiring to electrically connect thebatteries with the other electrical elements of the scooter assembly,such as an electric motor and an on-off switch (e.g., switch 360 shownin FIG. 23). For example, in embodiments in which the handlebar assembly270 comprises a battery pack, the scooter assembly can comprise wiringfrom the handlebar assembly 270, through the steering tube 260, throughthe head tube 232 and/or neck 230, and through the deck 210 (e.g.,through tubular deck member 312 and/or a second tubular deck member 314as shown in FIG. 12), and continue so that the wiring can makeelectrical connections with the electric motor and the on-off switch. Inpreferred embodiments, the wiring is located within the members of thescooter frame. In other embodiments, the wiring can be external to thescooter frame and run along the frame, or some combination of internaland external. If multiple batteries are provided, the batteries withinthe handlebar assembly 270 can be wired together in series or parallel,or any combination of series and parallel configurations.

In some embodiments, multiple components of the scooter assembly thatcontain batteries are detachable. For example, in some embodiments, boththe left and right handles and the steering column can be separatelydetachable. By having each of the left and right handles and thesteering column be separately detachable, a user is provided with morecontrol and choices with respect to charging options and interchangingcharged components. In some other embodiments, an one or more of theleft and right handles, the handlebar assembly, the steering column, andthe steering tube can be separately detachable.

In some other embodiments, any other tubular member of the scooterassembly 200 can also or alternatively be configured to receive one ormore batteries. For example, the left handlebar mount 276 and the righthandlebar mount 278 can each be adapted to receive one or morerechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries. Other tubularmembers that can be adapted to receive one or more rechargeablebatteries include the head tube 232. In addition, as pictured in FIG.12, other tubular members that can be adapted to receive one or morerechargeable batteries include a first tubular deck member 312, a secondtubular deck member 314, a first tubular neck member 321, a secondtubular neck member 322, and a third tubular neck member 323. In theseother embodiments, the scooter assembly 200 can include all appropriatewiring to deliver electric power from the one or more batteries, at anylocation, to an electric motor, which can be located underneath a rearportion 214 of the deck 210.

Some portions of the scooter assembly that can be configured to receiveone or more batteries are easily detachable, including the left handle272 and right handle 274. For sections that are detachable, rechargingof the one or more batteries can be accomplished while the portions aredetached. Other portions of the scooter assembly that can be configuredto receive one or more batteries are not as easily detachable, such asthe first tubular deck member 312, the second tubular deck member 314,the first tubular neck member 321, the second tubular neck member 322,and the third tubular neck member 323. In order to recharge the one ormore batteries located in tubular portions of the scooter assembly thatare not easily detachable, the scooter frame can be provided with anelectrical input socket 325 and a wiring system to deliver electricalpower from the input socket to each of the one or more batteries.

FIGS. 6 and 8-11 show the foot brake 240 that is configured for use ator near a rear portion of the deck of the scooter assembly 200. Asdescribed, the foot brake 240 can comprise the plurality of ridges 244to enhance traction of the foot brake 240 and provide ease of locationof the foot brake 240 for a rider. As shown, the foot brake 240comprises three ridges, which preferably protrude significantly higherfrom the surrounding surface than any other protrusions near therearward end of the scooter deck 210 to facilitate location by feelwithout the user needing to visually identify the foot brake 240. Inaddition, the foot brake 240 can otherwise be relatively continuous withthe surrounding portions of the deck 210 and the deck 210 in general toprovide an attractive appearance to the foot brake 240. Thus, the footbrake 240 preferably defines an upper surface that extends rearwardly ina substantially continuous fashion and along a substantially continuouspath from an upper surface of the portion of the deck 210 forward of thefoot brake 240. With reference to FIG. 1, for example, the rearwardportion 214 of the deck 210 and the foot brake 240 define a continuousupper surface, which in the illustrated arrangement is rises up relativeto the front portion 212 of the deck 210 and is slightly curved. Thus,the foot brake 240 can be considered as a portion of the upper decksurface and, preferably, defines a rearward most upper surface of theoverall deck of the scooter 200. In other words, the foot brake 240extends rearwardly from a rearward edge of the deck 210. In alternativeembodiments, the foot brake 240 can comprise fewer or more ridges. Inpreferred embodiments, the foot brake 240 can comprise plastic. In otherembodiments, the foot brake 240 can comprise metals, carbon fiber, orany other suitable material. The foot brake 240 can be configured topivot about the pivot axis 242. By pivoting downward, the foot brake 240can provide a braking pressure to the rear wheel 234.

FIGS. 12-15 generally relate to an embodiment of a scooter framecomprising a deck, a neck, and a head tube, wherein the neck comprisestwo or more tubular members connecting the deck to the head tube. Theframe is suitable for use with any scooter described herein.

FIGS. 12-15 show a rear side perspective view of an embodiment of ascooter frame assembly 300 that generally comprises a deck frame section310 and a neck section 320. The deck frame section 310 can comprise afirst tubular deck member 312 and a second tubular deck member 314. Theneck section 320 can comprise a first tubular neck member 321, a secondtubular neck member 322, a third tubular neck member 323, a head tube324, and a base section 326. The first tubular neck member 321 cansecurely attach the second tubular deck member 314 and base section 326with the head tube 324. The second tubular neck member 322 can securelyattach the base section 326 with the head tube 324. The third tubularneck member 323 can securely attach the first tubular deck member 312and the base section 326 with the head tube 324.

The first tubular deck member 312, the second tubular deck member 314,the first tubular neck member 321, the second tubular neck member 322,and the third tubular neck member 323 each comprise a tubular memberhaving an approximately circular cross section. In other embodiments,the first tubular deck member 312, the second tubular deck member 314,the first tubular neck member 321, the second tubular neck member 322,and the third tubular neck member 323 can comprise any other crosssectional shapes, including square, triangular, rectangular, and oval.The plurality of tubular neck members connecting the deck frame sectionwith the head tube enhances the strength of the connection. In additionto enhancing the strength of the connection, the connection comprising aplurality of tubular neck members can provide ergonomic and riding styleoptions not present in a connection comprising a single member. Inaddition, the connection comprising a plurality of tubular members canfacilitate the attachment of additional accessories, for the riding decksurface, or other attachments.

As shown in FIG. 12, the scooter frame assembly 300 comprises threetubular neck members 321, 322, and 323. In other embodiments, thescooter frame assembly can comprise two tubular neck members connectingthe deck frame section 310 and head tube 324. In other alternativeembodiments, the scooter frame assembly can comprise four or moretubular neck members connecting the deck frame section 310 and the headtube 324.

FIGS. 16-21 illustrate the scooter neck sub-assembly comprising the neckand the head tube separate from the frame assembly of FIGS. 12-15. Asdescribed, the neck comprises two or more tubular members connecting tothe head tube.

FIGS. 16-21 show various views of the scooter neck section 320 thatgenerally comprises the first tubular neck member 321, the secondtubular neck member 322, the third tubular neck member 323, the headtube 324, a first base section 326, and a second base section 328. Thefirst tubular neck member 321 and third tubular neck member 323 cansecurely attach the first base section 326 with the head tube 324. Thesecond tubular neck member 322 can securely attach the second basesection 328 with the head tube 324. As apparent in FIG. 15, for example,the first base section 326 is positioned above the deck frame section310 and the second base section 328 is positioned below the deck framesection 310. A forward portion of the first base section 326 can includea cut-out to accommodate the second neck member 322, as shown in FIG.16, for example. The base sections 326, 328 can be coupled to the deckframe section 310 by any suitable arrangement, such as by welding, forexample. The base sections 326, 328 can be coupled to the deck framesection 310 along the entire forward surface, which is generallyU-shaped in the illustrated arrangement. The base sections 326, 328spaced vertically as illustrated and preferably sandwiching the deckframe section 310 (e.g., forward portion 316) therebetweenadvantageously provide a strong and rigid arrangement for supporting thehead tube 324 relative to the deck frame section 310.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a modification of the scooter neck section320 that generally comprises a first tubular neck member 321, a secondtubular neck member 322, a third tubular neck member 323, a head tube324, and a base section 326. In the illustrated arrangement, each neckmember 321, 322, 323 extends between the head tube 324 and the basesection 326 and, preferably, connects to each of the head tube 324 andthe base section 326. The base section 326 can be a frame tubearrangement of the frame assembly 300, such as the deck frame section310 (e.g., frame tubes 312 and 314 and/or a front frame tube portion 316that couples forward ends of the frame tubes 312, 314). Thus, in theneck section 320 of FIGS. 22 and 23, the two separate base sections areomitted and the multiple neck members 321, 322, 323 preferably arecoupled directly to the deck frame section 310.

Preferably, the base or lower ends of the multiple neck members 321,322, 323 are spaced from one another in a lateral direction of the frameassembly 300 or scooter 200. In the illustrated arrangement, the neckmember 321 is coupled to one frame tube 314 and the neck member 323 iscoupled to the other frame tube 312. Such a lateral spacingadvantageously provides increased rigidity and reduces flex between thehead tube 324 and the deck frame section 310. The neck member 322 can besubstantially centrally located in a lateral direction of the frameassembly 300. The neck members 321, 322, 323 can be coupled to the headtube 324 at different heights or different axial locations. For example,the side neck members 321, 323 can be coupled at one axial location andthe central neck member 322 can be coupled at a different axial locationon the head tube 324. The side neck members 321, 323 can be coupled at ahigher location or axial location closer to the upper end of the headtube 324 relative to the central neck member 322. Alternatively, thisarrangement can be reversed, each neck member can be coupled at adifferent axial position or all of the neck members can be coupled atsubstantially the same axial location. An on-off switch 360 is alsoillustrated that can connect to the wiring arrangement of the scooter200 and can be used to turn the electric scooter on and off.

FIGS. 24-28 generally relate to alternative embodiments of a scooterneck assembly comprising a neck and a head tube, wherein the neckcomprises a generally centered arrangement in the lateral direction ofthe associated scooter 200. FIG. 24 illustrates a neck assembly having asingular neck member 421, which has a greater vertical dimension thanits width or lateral dimension. FIGS. 25-28 illustrate an embodimentthat comprises at least two tubular members connecting to the head tube424 in a substantially centralized configuration or stacked in avertical direction.

FIG. 24 shows a top side perspective view of a scooter neck section 420that generally comprises a first or upper neck portion 421, a second orintermediate neck portion 422, a third or lower neck portion 423, a headtube 424, and a base section 426. The first neck portion 421 isgenerally rounded or semi-cylindrical (semi-circular in cross-section)in shape. The second neck portion 422 generally comprises side wallportions that connect ends of the first neck portion 421 to ends of thethird neck portion 423, which is shaped similar to the first neckportion 421. In other words, the third neck portion 423 is generallyrounded or semi-cylindrical (semi-circular in cross-section) in shape.The neck section 420 of FIG. 24 can securely attach the base section 426with the head tube 424 and, due to the increased vertical dimensionrelative to a circular tube, can provide increased resistance totorsional flex between the deck section or base section 426 and the headtube 424.

FIG. 25 shows a left side perspective view of an embodiment of a scooterneck section 420 that generally comprises a first tubular neck member421, a space 422, a third tubular neck member 423, a head tube 424, anda base section 426. The first tubular neck member 421 and third tubularneck member 423 are separated by the space 422 and can be configured tobe aligned along a midsection of the base section 426. The ends of theneck members 421, 423 connected to the head tube 424 are closer than theends of the neck members 421, 423 connected to the base section 426.That is, the space 422 is smaller near the head tube 424 and is largernear the base section 426. Alternatively, this arrangement could bereversed or the neck members 421, 423 could be substantially parallel toone another.

FIGS. 29-32 generally relate to embodiments related to scooterscomprising a deck, head tube, steer tube, and clamp assembly, whereinthe clamp assembly comprises three or more bolt clamp portions. Theadditional bolt clamp portions advantageously provide increased clampforce and/or an increased clamp force area.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show an embodiment of a portion of a scooter assembly500 that comprises a neck 520, a head tube 524, a clamp assembly 530,and a steering tube 540. The clamp assembly 530 is coupled to thesteering tube 540 at or near a bottom portion of the steering tube 540above the head tube 524 and secures the fork 528 (FIG. 31) relative tothe head tube 524. FIGS. 31 and 32 show a side view of the scooterassembly 500 with clamp bolts in place in the clamp assembly 530. Insome embodiments, the clamp assembly 530 comprises a first bolt section532, a second bolt section 534, a third bolt section 536, and a fourthbolt section 538. The first bolt section 532 can comprise a first ear532A, a second ear 532B, and an opening 532C configured to receive abolt. The second bolt section 534 can comprise a first ear 534A, asecond ear 534B, and an opening 534C configured to receive a bolt. Thethird bolt section 536 can comprise a first ear 536A, a second ear 536B,and an opening 536C configured to receive a bolt. The fourth boltsection 538 can comprise a first ear 538A, a second ear 538B, and anopening 538C configured to receive a bolt. The bolt sections arevertically (or axially) stacked and can be equidistant from one another.In other embodiments, the clamp assembly comprises three or less boltsections. In other alternative embodiments, the clamp assembly cancomprise five or more bolt sections. As used herein, the term bolt caninclude bolts, screws, or any other suitable fastening member unlessotherwise indicated either explicitly or by the context of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 33-35 generally relate to embodiments related to scooterscomprising a deck, front wheel, a neck, a head tube, a steer tube, afront fork connecting the front wheel to the steer tube, and a frontfork cover, wherein the front fork cover generally surrounds the frontfork as a protective exterior. The illustrated scooter assembly 600comprises a deck section 610, a neck 620, a head tube 624, a front wheel630, and a front fork cover 640. The front fork can provide a means bywhich the front wheel 630 is mounted to a steering tube. In someembodiments, the front fork comprises a formed (e.g., bent) metal (e.g.,steel) member, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 4, 7 and 23. The frontfork of FIGS. 33-35 preferably also comprises the same or a similarformed metal front fork member (partially visible through opening 644)that is partially or substantially completely enclosed by the fork cover640. In addition, the front wheel 630 can be configured to rotate abouta front-wheel axle 632.

As described, the cover 640 can be provided to cover some, a substantialportion or essentially all exterior surfaces (i.e., surfaces other thanthose facing the front wheel 630) of the front fork. The cover 640 canserve as a protective exterior to the front fork. In some embodiments,the cover 640 can comprise a plastic, such as a hard plastic. In otherembodiments, the cover 640 can comprise metal. The cover 640 can besecured to the front fork by a fastening member 642, such as a bolt,screw or other threaded (e.g., removable) fastener. Other fasteningmembers/arrangements (e.g., permanent or semi-permanent) could also oralternatively be used, such as rivets for example.

The fork cover 640 can comprise a pair of cover portions on each side ofthe front wheel 630. Front and/or rear portions of the fork cover 640can extend towards the sides of the front wheel 630 and be shapedsimilarly to the front wheel 630. Thus, the fork cover 640, orcooperating cover portions, can define a cut-out or space thataccommodates, but preferably closely follows, the shape of the frontwheel 630 in either or both of the front and rear portions of the frontfork. Such an arrangement inhibits the entry of foreign objects (e.g.,small stones or pebbles) from entering into a space between the frontfork and the front wheel 630. The provision of the fork cover 640 allowsthe underlying (e.g., structural) portion of the front fork to be arelatively simple shape, which can be suitable for forming from a bentmetal work piece and, thus, be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.The fork cover 640 can be formed from, for example, a plastic materialthat can be made via, for example, a molding process (e.g.,injection-molding) or other suitable process that permits inexpensivemanufacture of more intricate shapes. Thus, the combination of the frontfork and fork cover 640 provides suitable structural properties and alsoallows the fork assembly to closely follow the shape of the front wheel630 in a relatively inexpensive arrangement.

In some embodiments, the cover 640 can comprise an opening 644 thatallows a portion of the underlying fork structure or another underlyingstructure. The opening 644 can be provided for ornamental reasons or theunderlying fork structure can include a protrusion that mates with theopening 644 to provide coupling of the fork cover 640 to the underlyingfork structure in addition or in alternative to the fastening member642.

FIGS. 36 and 37 generally relate to an embodiment of a scooter 700comprising a deck, front and rear wheels, a neck, a head tube, a steertube, and a bash guard, wherein the bash guard 720 is providedunderneath the deck and can serve a protective function and/or occupy aspace between the front wheel and a forward surface of a lower frameportion to facilitate the scooter sliding over obstacles that couldotherwise enter into the space between the front wheel and a forwardsurface of a lower frame portion.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the scooter assembly700 including the bash guard 720. The scooter assembly 700 can be of anysuitable arrangement, such as shown in FIG. 1 or otherwise shown ordescribed herein. The scooter assembly 700 can generally comprise a deck210, a neck 220, a head tube 224, a clamp assembly 250, a steering tube260, a front wheel 230, and a rear wheel 234. In some embodiments, thescooter assembly can be an electric scooter. In particular, an electricmotor 714 as shown in FIG. 37 can be provided underneath approximately arear portion 214 of the scooter assembly.

To protect the underside of the scooter assembly 700 and components ofthe scooter assembly 700, such as the electric motor 714, a bash guard720 can be provided. In some embodiments, the bash guard 720 is providedat a location in front of the rear wheel. In preferred embodiments, thebash guard 720 can comprise a metal. In other embodiments, the bashguard 720 can comprise a hard plastic. The bash guard 720 can be anangled piece having a bottom portion and a front portion, each of whichcan be substantially planar in some configurations. Alternatively, thebash guard 720 can be a curved shape, preferably still having bottom andfront portions. The bash guard 720 can have any suitable width, such assubstantially the same width as the scooter frame. In the illustratedarrangement, the bash guard 720 is somewhat narrower than the width ofthe scooter frame or at least the deck section of the scooter frame.

The bash guard 720 can comprise a plurality of openings 722. Theopenings 722 advantageously serve many functions. For example, theopenings 722 allow for weight reduction of the bash guard 720. Inaddition, the openings 722 provide for metal forming options to presentthe bash guard in a solid sheet. Also, the openings 722 allow airflow toa battery box, and provide a draining mechanism so that the scooterassembly does not retain water in wet conditions. Furthermore, theunderside of the scooter assembly can comprise a first rail 710 and asecond rail 712. The bash guard 720 can be fixedly attached to the firstrail 710 and the second rail 712 via fastening members 724 and/or can befixedly attached to the scooter frame (e.g., the base section 426) at ornear a front portion of the bash guard 720 via a fastening member 724.Other suitable arrangements can also be used to secure the bash guard720 to the scooter frame or other portion of the scooter 700.

FIG. 38 generally relates to embodiments related to scooters comprisinga deck, a first section on the deck comprising a first material, such asplastic, and a second section on the deck comprising a second material,such as metal (e.g., steel or aluminum). In some configurations, thefirst section and the second section can comprise the same or differentmaterials, but can be configured to provide different frictional and/orornamental features. For example, one section can have a relativelysmooth deck surface and the other section can have a non-smooth decksurface, which can include grip features, rough surface portions oropenings (which can be void or occupied by another member), for example.

FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a deck assembly 800for a scooter assembly. In particular, the deck assembly 800 cancomprise a first deck portion 810 and a second deck portion 820. In someembodiments, the first deck portion 810 comprises a type of plastic andthe second deck portion 820 comprises metal. In alternative embodiments,the first deck portion 810 can comprise any plastic, metal, or othersuitable material, and the second deck portion 820 can comprise anyplastic, metal, or other suitable material, which can be the same as ordifferent from the material of the first deck portion.

The first deck portion 810 can comprise a rear first deck portion 812and a front first deck portion 814, and the second deck portion 820 cancomprise a rear second deck portion 822 and a front second deck portion824. The first deck portion 810 can be arranged such that the rear firstdeck portion 812 is uncovered by the second deck portion 820, but thefront first deck portion 814 is at least partially covered by the rearsecond deck portion 822 of the second deck portion 820. In theillustrated arrangement, lateral side portions of the first deck portion814 are uncovered and extend along opposite sides of the second deckportion 820 (e.g., the rear second deck portion 822). The front seconddeck portion 824 of the second deck portion 820 can extend up a neckportion 830 of the scooter assembly. The first deck portion 810 and/orthe second deck portion 820 can be securely fixed to the deck assembly800 via fastening members 828 or other suitable fastening arrangements.

The second deck portion 820 can comprise a plurality of openings 826. Inaddition, an insert comprising a gripping material, such as rubber or arubber-like material, can be provided between the second deck portion820 and the first deck portion 810. Furthermore, portions of a rubberinsert can be configured to protrude through the openings 826 of thesecond deck portion 820. Such portions of the rubber insert can besubstantially even with the deck surface of the second deck portion 820surrounding the openings 826 or can protrude so as to be raised abovethe deck surface of the second deck portion 820 surrounding the openings826. As such, the second deck portion 820 can provide a surface that candeliver improved gripping ability to a rider of the scooter assembly. Inaddition, a rider can recognize a difference in surface texture betweenthe first deck portion 810 and the second deck portion 820, preferablyby feel and without looking at the deck surface.

FIG. 39 generally relates to embodiments related to scooters comprisinga deck, a first section on the deck comprising a material (e.g.,plastic) configured to provide a first level of traction or frictionalcharacteristics, and a second section on the deck comprising the samematerial (e.g., plastic) and configured to provide a second level oftraction or frictional characteristics (e.g., coefficient of friction).

FIG. 39 shows a top view of an embodiment of a deck assembly 900 for ascooter assembly. In particular, the deck assembly 900 can comprise afirst deck portion 910 and a second deck portion 920. In preferredembodiments, the first deck portion 910 comprises a type of plastichaving a first surface texture and the second deck portion 920 comprisesa type of plastic having a second surface texture. In alternativeembodiments, the first deck portion 910 can comprise any plastic, metal,or other suitable material having a first surface texture, and thesecond deck portion 920 can comprise any plastic, metal, or othersuitable material having a second surface texture. In some embodiments,the first surface texture and second surface texture are different suchthat the deck assembly 900 is provided with different modular gripsurfaces. The different modular grip surfaces can assist a scooter riderin locating various positions of the deck assembly 900 by feeling thetexture of the deck assembly surface with the scooter rider's feet. Inalternative arrangements, different materials can be used for thedifferent portions 910, 920.

In different embodiments, the relative location of the first deckportion 910 and the second deck portion 920 can vary. For example, asshown in FIG. 39, the first deck portion 910 comprises a rear first deckportion 912 and a front first deck portion 914. The second deck portion920 can be situated in proximity to the rear first deck portion 912. Inalternative embodiments, the second deck portion can be situated inproximity to any other part of the first deck portion 910, including thefront first deck portion 914 and a center part of the first deck portion910. In other alternative embodiments, the deck assembly can comprisethree or more deck portions, each of which can have the same ordifferent surface texture of any of the other deck portions, therebyassisting a scooter rider in locating any section of the deck assemblyby feeling the texture of the deck assembly with the scooter rider'sfeet.

In some embodiments, the second deck portion 920 can function as a footbrake. For example, in some scooter assembly embodiments, such asdescribed in connection with FIG. 1, the scooter assembly comprises afoot brake formed as a part of a rear portion of the deck assembly. Arear portion of the deck assembly can be configured to pivot about anaxis to provide a braking pressure to a rear wheel. By providing asecond deck portion 920 with a differently textured surface, a scooterrider can be assisted in easily locating the foot brake. A second deckportion 920 with a differently textured surface can also assist ascooter rider in differentiating between the foot brake and the rest ofthe deck assembly in order to avoid inadvertent pressing of the footbrake.

The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed abovemay be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although thisinvention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments,other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart, including embodiments which do not provide all of the benefits andfeatures set forth herein, are also within the scope of this invention.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only byreference to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric scooter comprising: a deck configuredto support a rider; a front wheel and a rear wheel; a handlebar assemblycomprising a handlebar, a left handle, and a right handle; a steeringcolumn comprising a steering tube and the handlebar assembly, thesteering column configured to steer the scooter by controlling adirection of the front wheel; and an electric motor configured toprovide mechanical power to at least one of the front and the rearwheels; wherein one or more of the steering column, steering tube,handlebar assembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck areconfigured to be detachable and comprise one or more rechargeablebattery packs, the one or more rechargeable battery packs configured topower the electric motor.
 2. A method of operating an electric scooter,the method comprising: detaching from the electric scooter at least oneof a steering column, a steering tube, a handlebar assembly, ahandlebar, a left handle, a right handle, and a deck; and reattaching acharged at least one of the steering column, steering tube, handlebarassembly, handlebar, left handle, right handle, and deck to the electricscooter.